What should you know about skin tags under the armpits?

The armpit is a warm, mobile area where skin, clothing and hair-removal tools can rub together. A skin tag is usually a soft, flesh-coloured or slightly darker projection, sometimes attached by a narrow stalk. It may snag during shaving, catch on a bra or shirt, or become tender after repeated rubbing.

Not every armpit bump is a skin tag. An ingrown hair, inflamed follicle, cyst, wart or swollen lymph node can feel different and needs different care. A lump deeper under the skin is not typical of a simple skin tag, so avoid trying to remove it based on appearance alone.

Reduce rubbing where possible, use clean shaving equipment and pause shaving directly over an irritated growth. Wash gently and dry the fold well; avoid fragranced products on broken or inflamed skin. Never cut, tie off or burn a tag at home. If it repeatedly snags or is unwanted, a clinician can discuss [Skin Tag Removal](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/skin-tag-removal/), [Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal)](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cryotherapy-lesion-removal/) or [Electrosurgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/electrosurgery/).

Book an assessment if the growth enlarges quickly, becomes hard, repeatedly bleeds, turns into an open sore or is accompanied by a deeper lump. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, severe pain or fever. If a bump persists after stopping shaving irritation, have it examined rather than assuming it is a skin tag.

Ask whether the bump is a skin tag or an inflamed follicle, cyst or other lesion. Ask whether leaving it alone is reasonable, which removal option suits its attachment, how to shave safely afterward and which signs would indicate infection or a need for review.